Teacher Spotlight
THAY Yoga Teacher:
Nikki Walker
THAY would like to acknowledge Nikki Walker one of our Trauma Yoga Teachers since July 2018. Patricia, a THAY team member got to sit down and discuss Nikki’s experiences and how she has impacted her community.
“THAY is making the world a better place for many. Bringing peace in uncertainty.”
Patricia: Tell me a little about
you, where are you from? What are your other hobbies?
Nikki: Bronx New York. Soul Strolling aka walking taking in beauty.
Patricia: How did you get involved with Yoga? How has it impacted your life?
Nikki: Yoga has always been in my life. But when 9/11 happened and my hometown was shaken, I was young and lost. I began studying at Kundalini Yoga East on 18th street in Manhattan and I experienced some relief and hope. More recent I was noticing some weird body changes. The left side of my body was weaker. It affected yoga postures and life. I was diagnosed with MS 5/11/2017. Few months later I got an opportunity to do Teacher training. Through yoga I felt my body becoming stronger. But most important yoga helps me to keep faith, keeping me in touch with my divinity.
Patricia: How did you find out about about THAY? How long have you been teaching?
Nikki: I was at a Voice Over audition. Was chatting with the fabulous Karen Murray who is a board member of THAY & voice over actress. We were talking. I share that I’m almost done with teacher training and she invited me to learn more about THAY. I’ve been teaching since 7/5/18. I’m excited an anniversary is coming up. YAY!!
Patricia: Why are you passionate about teaching Yoga?
Nikki: I’m excited to see people experience expansion. Especially when they believe they can’t do a posture then they see themselves doing it. I joke with them saying “aren’t you glad you’re wrong, ya stronger than you know”. It’s the truth all of us are stronger than we know.
Patricia: How do you feel when teaching a THAY class?
Nikki: It’s a tremendous honor. THAY is making the world a better place for many. Bringing Peace in uncertainty.
Patricia: What do you like most about THAY?
Nikki: All of the amazing places they teach at. Making Yoga accessible and open to all.
Patricia: What has been your favorite moment teaching with THAY?
Nikki: I teach at rehabilitation centers for mental illness. One student who consistently shows up told me that she likes the class because she was hearing the voices in her head a little less. On a day I was questioned am I helping? That was a wonderful message from the Universe that we at THAY are helping more than we know.
Patricia: What have you learned in this experience?
Nikki: That Seva aka service is deeply gratifying and inspiring.
Patricia: What is next for you and your journey?
Nikki: I’m nervous and excited for the show I’m doing at New Light Theatre Project ‘THE GREAT NOVEL.’ With Yoga & Career I’m excited to stay open and see where God needs me to be. All is Well when I follow the Universe’s Lead.
“I teach at rehabilitation centers for mental illness. One student who consistently shows up told me that she likes the class because she was hearing the voices in her head a little less. On a day I was questioned am I helping? That was a wonderful message from the Universe that we at THAY are helping more than we know.”
